Named after the world’s 8th tallest peak Manaslu (8,163m), Manaslu Region lies in the Great Himalayan Trail. Manaslu region trekking benefits you with the experience of the least crowded trekking route in the Nepalese Himalayan Region. Manaslu region trekking leads you through about 177 km (110miles) of the ancient trading route of Gorkha to Tibet. Manaslu trekking route is extended at the elevation between 815m (Soti Khola) and 5,125m (Larke Pass) in the Mansiri Himalayan Range. Manaslu region is beautified with about 10 peaks above 6,500m and a few even above 7,000m.
Manaslu Region Trekking is perhaps the best alternative to Everest Region Trekking and Annapurna Region Trekking to the native and non-native trekkers. You see the lush valleys, naturally hot waterfalls, lakes, river and rivulets including unique rustic villages while trekking to Manaslu Region. You can see the eye-catching vista of Mount Manaslu, the Annapurna Massif, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal and other snowy peaks during the trek.
Manaslu Region Trekking passes through Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), established in 1998 to protect varieties of flora and fauna in the high Himalayan region. You can observe around 33 species of mammals such as musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan Thar, black bear in MCA. Tantalizing sight of above 110 species of birds, three reptiles and estimated 1500-2000 species of flowering plants is the reward of Manaslu Region Trekking. Similarly, Birendra Lake that is extended around 3 sq. km is another prize of trekking to Manaslu region.
Basically, two major ethnic groups live in Nubri and Tsum valley of Manaslu Region. After the Government of Nepal started giving Manaslu Region trekking permits, Nubri is regularly visited by the travelers. Most of the people here are Gurungs who have been serving in Gurkha Army for a long time. The lifestyle, culture and tradition of Nubri is little close to modernization while Tsum is less visited, so unaffected by modernization. Tsum Valley is the settlement area of Bhutias (also Bhotias) who are involved in traditional trading occupation with Tibetan. As the majority of people in Manaslu region are Buddhists and close to Tibet, you find Buddhist monasteries, architecture and tradition here.
Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley Trek and Tsum Valley Larke Pass Trek are some of the customized packages of Manaslu Region Trekking. The best time to trek Manaslu Region is March –April and September –November although you can go Manaslu trek in other seasons, too. Heavy rainfall during summer and chilling cold in winter may obstruct you to enjoy Manaslu region trekking at the fullest in these seasons.
Nowadays, Manaslu Region Trekking accommodation is mostly provided by teahouses set up on the trekking trails by the local people. As Manaslu Conservation Area is a restricted area, it is not possible for independent trekking to Manaslu Region. You are advised to plan for Manaslu Region Trekking with the registered guide in a group of at least two members. After you cross Larke La, you enter into Annapurna Conservation Area and you need to take ACA permit. You can end your Manaslu Region Trekking from Dharapani by catching a jeep to Beshisahar and then drive to Kathmandu. And if you want to continue the trekking for some more days, you can go around Annapurna Circuit Trek.
